William J. Webbe

Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner in Liverpool in the 1930s, thence by descent to the present owner

Possibly London, British Institution, 1863;
Probably Royal Academy, 1864, no.383 as A Shop in Jerusalem

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. There is some separation to th epaint surface in the sky, apparent in the illustration. Covered with a layer of discooured varnish, would benefit from a light surface clean. Some light craquelure in parts. There is a small surface abrasion towards the lower centre with corresponding paint loss. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There is some retouching to the extreme top right edge, otherwise in apparently good order. FRAME In a modern plain wooden frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present work relates closely to a larger version painted by William J. Webbe in 1867 also titled A Street in Jerusalem (sold Christie's, 14 June 2006, lot 44). Webbe's work shows the influence of the Pre-Raphaelite movement with a fine eye for detail, and he was singled out for praise in John Ruskin's Academy Notes of 1856. His depictions of the Holy Land recall those by William Holman Hunt.

Webbe made his first trip to Jerusalem in 1862, exhibiting at the Royal Academy, Treading out the Corn, Lower Pool of Gihon, Jerusalem, May 1862. The present work may have been exhibited in 1864 at the Royal Academy as A Shop in Jerusalem and it may be the same picture that had been exhibited at the British Institution a year before as A Street in Jerusalem. This work was exhibited alongside William Gale's Hosanna, recounting Christ's entry into Jerusalem, and the similarities between the two works were commented upon by a contemporary critic for The Times (24 May 1867, p.5). It is likely Webbe and Gale were friends, having exhibited at the same locations, and sharing a Pre-Raphaelite philosopy. Gale also paid the first of two visits to the Holy Land in 1862, the same year that found Webbe in Jerusalem and it would not therefore be surprising to discover that they either met at this time or were even travelling companions.